Cape Town: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis bestowed Civic Honours on a range of luminaries at a City Council ceremony on Nov 14, 2025. This highest Civic Honour of the city and the Freedom of the city will be awarded to two of Cape Town’s cultural icons – Davis Kramer and the late Taliep Peterson, at a forthcoming ceremony in Jan 2026.
Reportedly, the Civic Honours are about recognising the contributions of remarkable people who have delivered exceptional public service, in any field of social, community or civic interest.
The recipients of the honours have generally achieved extraordinary acclaim in their chosen field and have won international recognition for their talent or contribution and have distinguished themselves with extraordinary community service, personal sacrifice and contributions to nation building.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said that what makes Cape Town truly great is its people. Capetonians have a way of lifting this city high and making them incredibly proud, whether they shine through their art, skills, service, intellectual discourse, acts of kindness, or their fierce loyalty to their community.
He mentioned that they have recognised some of the outstanding individuals. Lewis stated that “to all our civic honours recipients, and to all the great Capetonians out there, you make us proud and you give us hope.”
They also presented gratitude to every Capetonian, who may not be present in the Council chamber, but can play their part in making the city great, making life better for those around them.
Furthermore, to promote civic pride in Cape Town, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis revived the tradition of Civic Honours in 2023 after a hiatus of 10 years, with these awards now as a regular fixture for every two years.
Notably, this year’s awarding of honours followed a public nomination process which was held earlier in 2025 and was followed by Council approval of nominations, and confirmation of acceptance by nominees.